Steppenwolf's 10th Red or White Ball

Michael Shannon, American actor and musician and a regular actor on "Boardwalk Empire," and Kate Arrington, ensemble member of Steppenwolf, at the Red or White Ball on Friday, April 5, 2013.

Michael Shannon, American actor and musician and a regular actor on "Boardwalk Empire," and Kate Arrington, ensemble member of Steppenwolf, at the Red or White Ball on Friday, April 5, 2013. (Beth Rooney, Chicago Tribune)

Candace Jordan, Special to Tribune Newspapers

The Auxiliary Council of Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosted the 10th anniversary of its Red or White Ball with more than 500 patrons April 5 at Venue One. This annual event benefits the nationally recognized arts education program Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which provides theater programming and workshops for more than 15,000 students, teachers and families in the Chicagoland area.

"When I was in school, participating in theater arts boosted my confidence, expanded my creativity and cultivated my desire to learn more about the world around me," said Auxiliary Council member Tanya Stanfield. "As arts education programs continue to be slashed across CPS and beyond, I want to make sure that these opportunities don't disappear altogether for this generation."

The Red or White Ball is a magnet for the city's young professional crowd, and on this night the room was filled with guests sampling food from some of the top restaurants in town and bidding on an extensive silent auction. Chef/partners of the event included Rick Gresh (David Burke's Primehouse), Mark Payne and Eric Estrella (Deca Restaurant & Bar), and Puje Dorlig (Jellyfish). Patrons also enjoyed whiskey and beer tastings, a photo booth, gourmet cotton candy and music by DJ Madrid.